Sensor apparatus and associated systems and methods

ABSTRACT

Exemplary embodiments are directed to sensor apparatuses for attachment to an animal that include a housing and a sensor assembly. The housing can be attachable to the animal and includes an internal cavity formed therein. The sensor assembly can be disposed within the internal cavity of the housing. The sensor assembly includes a force sensor and an accelerometer arranged to detect force data and accelerometer data representative of a physiological state of the animal. Exemplary embodiments are also directed to method and sensor systems for detecting a physiological state of an animal.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. Application No. entitled“Sensor Apparatus and Associated Systems and Methods” which was filed onMay 20, 2014 and assigned application Ser. No. 14/282,841, which itselfclaims priority of New Zealand provisional patent application entitled“Sensor Assembly Mounting and Housing Apparatus” which was filed on May20, 2013 and assigned Application Serial No. 610787, and the benefit ofpriority of New Zealand provisional patent application entitled “SensorApparatus” which was filed on Jun. 7, 2013 and assigned ApplicationSerial No. 611703. The entire content of each of the foregoing NewZealand provisional patent applications is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to sensor apparatuses and, in particular,to sensor apparatuses and associated system and methods including asensor assembly with a sensor to sense force or pressure and anaccelerometer arranged to detect a physiological state of an animal.

BACKGROUND

Sensor assemblies can be used in a range of applications to providevaluable and time critical data or information. For example, in the caseof livestock breeding applications, there are significant constraints oneffective herd management strategies which relate to monitoring thestate of an animal, taking an action based on knowing one or more statesof that animal, or the state(s) of that animal relative to otheranimals.

Oestrus activity is manifested as a behavioral demonstration of theanimal's physiological state. Changing and evolving systems in breeding,farming intensity, animal housing, grazing and other animal managementpractices has led to a lower expression of oestrus activity.

SUMMARY

In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, exemplarysensor apparatuses or assemblies and associated systems and methods areprovided that include an improved sensor assembly that allows foraccurate detection of one or more physiological states of an animal. Thesensor assemblies disclosed herein allow for accurate placement of thesensor assembly on an animal, e.g., a livestock animal, which securelymounts the sensor assembly on the animal, and which protects the sensorassembly from damage. In particular, the exemplary sensor apparatusescan be used to assist in the correct placement and effective mounting ofa sensor assembly to an animal, and can be used to protect thecomponents of the sensor assembly from adverse environmental conditions.

The sensor assembly of the exemplary sensor apparatuses include acombination of a force sensor and an accelerometer to provide foraccurate detection of data representative of a physiological state ofthe animal. The exemplary sensor apparatuses improve animal husbandrypractices to provide more accurate monitoring of an animal state orreproductive state or both, tiling and to enable better informed,managed and timed actions related to reproductive and other herdmanagement decisions.

In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, exemplarysensor apparatuses for attachment to an animal are provided that includea housing and a sensor assembly. The housing can be attachable to theanimal and includes an internal cavity formed therein. The sensorassembly can be disposed within the internal cavity. The sensor assemblyincludes a force sensor and an accelerometer arranged to detect forcedata and acceleration data representative of a physiological state ofthe animal, e.g., a breeding status, a reproductive state, health,nutrition, and the like. The force sensor can detect a magnitude of aforce applied to the animal and a length of time the force is applied tothe animal. The accelerometer can detect vibration or a velocity of theanimal over a length of time. Measurement data relating to these forcesand the motion of the animal can provide significant insight into thephysiological state of an animal.

It should be understood that in some embodiments, the force sensor, theaccelerometer, or both, can measure multiple magnitudes of force andmotion, respectively. For example, rather than measuring the instance offorce being applied for a particular amount of time, the force sensorcan detect different magnitudes of force being applied at each point intime and the length of time the force is being applied to the animal.Similarly, rather than measuring the instance of motion of the animal,the accelerometer can detect different magnitudes of vibration oracceleration at each point in time over the length of time the motiontakes place. In some embodiments, the sensor apparatuses include aprocessing device programmable to analyze the force data and theaccelerometer data to verity the psychological state of the animal.Significant advantages can also accrue if this measurement data is madeavailable in a timely manner. In particular, the measured data can alerta user of a breeding status or reproductive state of the animal, therebyallowing the user to timely act to inseminate or cure the animal, orboth. In some embodiments, the collected data can be processed at, e.g.,a farmer's location, at a breeder's location, at a mobile location, at acentral processing location, combinations thereof, and the like.

The sensor assembly can include a power source, e.g., a rechargeablepower source. The power source can be, e.g., a photovoltaic element, achemical battery, a super capacitor, a fuel cell, a mechanical energyharvest system, combinations thereof, and the like. The housing includesa first flexible sheet and a second flexible sheet. The first and secondflexible sheets can be secured relative to each other to form theinternal cavity. In some embodiments, at least one of the first andsecond flexible sheets can include transmissive properties. For example,in some embodiments, at least one of the first and second flexiblesheets can be transparent (e.g., see-through), acoustically transparentor propagating, transmits light, transmits electromagnetic radiation, isnot completely opaque to light or electromagnetic radiation,combinations thereof, and the like. At least one of the first and secondflexible sheets can conform to a profile of a mounting location of theanimal.

In some embodiments, the housing includes a resiliently deformablematerial defining a mounting surface profile complementary to a mountinglocation of the animal. At least one of the first and second flexiblesheets can be secured to the resiliently deformable material. Themounting location profile of the resiliently deformable material canassist in accurately positioning the housing onto the animal by matchingthe mounting location profile to the corresponding profile of themounting location of the animal.

In some embodiments, the sensor apparatuses include a retentionmechanism for retaining the first and second flexible sheets securedrelative to each other. The retention mechanism can be operable betweenan engaged position and a disengaged position. In the engaged position,the retention mechanism can maintain the sensor assembly within theinternal cavity in a sealed environment. In the disengaged position, theretention mechanism can create an opening between the first and secondflexible sheets for access to the internal cavity. In some embodiments,the retention mechanism can be in the form of one or more clasps. Insome embodiments, the retention mechanism can be in the form of aflexible sheet with an adhesive on at least one side. For example, theinterior cavity of the housing can be exposed to receive the sensorassembly therein and the flexible sheet can be positioned over theinterior cavity and secured to the housing such that the sensor assemblyis encased within the interior cavity in a fluid-resistant manner.

In some embodiments, the sensor assembly includes, e.g., a visualindicator, an audio indicator, a radio transmission, combinationsthereof, and the like, for generating a signal regarding the detectedforce data and accelerometer data representative of the physiologicalstate of the animal. In some embodiments, the visual signals, audiosignals, radio signals, combinations thereof, and the like, can beperceived by a human, a machine, or both. For example, in someembodiments, sensors, cameras, or both, can detect at least one ofvisual signals, audio signals, and radio signals generated by the sensorassembly. In some embodiments, the sensor assembly includes atransmitter, e.g., a relay, an intermediary device, and the like, fortransmitting force data and accelerometer data to an electronic deviceconfigured to store the force and accelerometer data.

In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, exemplarymethods for detecting a physiological state of an animal are provided.The methods include providing a sensor apparatus mountable to theanimal. The sensor apparatus includes a housing and a sensor assembly.The housing is attachable to the animal and includes an internal cavityformed therein. The sensor assembly can be disposed within the internalcavity. The sensor assembly includes a force sensor and an accelerometerarranged to detect force data and accelerometer data representative ofthe physiological state of the animal. The methods include receivingforce data and accelerometer data from the sensor assembly. The methodsinclude analyzing the received force data and accelerometer data, e.g.,with a processing device, to verify the physiological state of theanimal.

In some embodiments, the methods include conforming at least one of afirst and second flexible sheet of the housing to a profile of amounting location of the animal. In some embodiments, the methodsinclude accurately positioning the housing onto a mounting location ofthe animal by aligning a mounting surface profile of a resilientlydeformable material of the housing with a complementary profile of theanimal. In some embodiments, the methods include generating aperceptible signal with at least one of a visual indicator, an audioindicator, and a radio indicator regarding the detected force data andaccelerometer data representative of the physiological state of theanimal.

In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, exemplarysensor systems for detecting a physiological state of an animal areprovided that include a computer storage device, a sensor apparatus anda processing device. The computer storage device can store informationrepresentative of the physiological state of the animal. The sensorapparatus can include a housing and a sensor assembly. The housing canbe attachable to the animal and includes an internal cavity formedtherein. The sensor assembly can be disposed within the internal cavity.The sensor assembly includes a force sensor and an accelerometerarranged to detect force data and accelerometer data representative of aphysiological state of the animal. The processing device can beprogrammable to analyze the detected force data and accelerometer datato verify the physiological state of the animal. In some embodiments,the processing device can be programmable to transmit the detected forcedata and accelerometer data from the sensor apparatus to the computerstorage device. In some embodiments, the processing device can beprogrammable to transmit the verified physiological state of the animalfrom the sensor apparatus to the computer storage device.

In some embodiments, the sensor apparatus can, e.g., be the source ofdata collected from the sensors, collect data from other devices orsensor apparatuses, receive instructions or updates from a centralprocessing device, combinations thereof, and the like. In someembodiments, a transmitter, e.g., an intermediary device, a relay, arepeater, and the like, can, e.g., receive data from one or more sensorapparatuses, receive data from a central processing device, send data toone or more sensor apparatuses, send data to a central processingdevice, combinations thereof, and the like. In some embodiments, arepository, e.g., a central processing device, a computer storagedevice, or both, can, e.g., store data received from the sensorapparatuses, the transmitters, or both, send data to the sensorapparatuses, the transmitters, or both, combinations thereof, and thelike.

Other objects and features will become apparent from the followingdetailed description considered in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings. It is to be understood, however, that the drawings aredesigned as an illustration and not as a definition of the limits of theinvention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To assist those of skill in the art in making and using the disclosedsensor apparatuses and associated systems and methods, reference is madeto the accompanying figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side view of an exemplary sensor apparatus of the presentdisclosure mounted to an animal;

FIG. 2 is rear side view of the exemplary sensor apparatus of FIG. 1mounted to an animal;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the exemplary sensor apparatus of FIG.1;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional rear view of an exemplary sensor apparatusof the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional rear view of an exemplary sensor apparatusaccording to the present disclosure including a retention mechanism;

FIG. 6 is a flow chart of steps executed in manufacturing an exemplarysensor assembly according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a flow chart of steps executed in manufacturing an exemplarysensor assembly according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an exemplary sensor apparatus accordingto the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 is a side view of the exemplary sensor apparatus of FIG. 8mounted to an animal;

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of an exemplary sensor apparatus andtransmitter unit network according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 is a block diagram of an exemplary sensor and transmitterapparatus according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 12 is a block diagram of an exemplary sensor and transmitterapparatus according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 13 is a block diagram of an exemplary sensor and transmitterapparatus according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an exemplary circuit board layout of asensor and transmitter apparatus according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 15 is a graph showing motion data and contact sensor data forexperimental results of an exemplary sensor apparatus;

FIG. 16 is a graph showing unfiltered motion data, contact sensor data,and approximate timing of artificial insemination for experimentalresults of an exemplary sensor apparatus;

FIG. 17 is a graph showing filtered motion data, contact sensor data,and approximate timing of artificial insemination for experimentalresults of an exemplary sensor apparatus;

FIG. 18 is a graph showing force and duration data for experimentalresults of an exemplary sensor apparatus; and

FIG. 19 is a graph showing contact duration for experimental results ofan exemplary sensor apparatus.

DESCRIPTION

In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, exemplarysensor apparatuses and associated systems and methods are provided thatinclude an improved sensor assembly mounting and housing which allowsfor accurate placement of the sensor assembly on an animal, e.g., alivestock animal, which securely mounts the sensor assembly on theanimal, and which protects the sensor assembly from damage. Inparticular, the exemplary sensor apparatuses can be used to assist inthe correct placement and effective mounting of a sensor assembly to ananimal, and can be used to protect the components of the sensor assemblyfrom adverse environmental conditions. The sensor assembly of theexemplary sensor apparatuses further includes a combination of a forcesensor and an accelerometer to provide a more accurate detection of datarepresentative of a physiological state of the animal.

It should be understood that as discussed herein, “mounting” can referto securing the sensor apparatus or assembly to an animal and to ridingof one animal relative to another animal.

In some embodiments, the sensor apparatus includes a housing whichdefines a flexible enclosure capable of receiving at least one elementof a sensor assembly. In some embodiments, the sensor assembly includesat least one force sensor unit, e.g., a pressure sensor, arranged tomeasure a force applied in association with an animal. In someembodiments, the force sensor can be a piezoelectric sensor. In someembodiments, the force sensor can be an analog sensor in whichresistance changes when force is applied thereto. In some embodiments,the sensor assembly includes a transmitter or a transmitter unit, e.g.,a relay, an intermediary device, a repeater, receiver, and the like,arranged to receive a force measurement signal from the one or moreforce sensors and to communicate to a user or a related electronicdevice over a communications network animal status information derivedat least in part from the received force measurement signal(s). In someembodiments, multiple transmitter units, e.g., intermediate relays, canbe used to transmit data over long distances. The force sensor canmeasure force applied in association with an animal. The applied forcecan take a variety of forms, e.g., an external force applied to theanimal by another source (such as another animal during mounting),forces generated directly by the animal, action of gravity on theanimal, and the like. In some embodiments, the force sensor can bearranged to provide a force measurement signal which is indicative ofthe force measured by the sensor assembly. In some embodiments, theforce sensor can be arranged to provide a force measurement signal whichis indicative of the length of time a force is applied.

A force sensing unit employed by the sensor apparatus can provide ameans for determining one or more aspects of the physiological state ofone or more animals. The sensor apparatus can be arranged to communicateto a user or an electronic device over a communications network animalstatus information derived at least in part from a force measurementsignal received from a force sensor unit. This force measure signal caninclude any combination of the information relating to the magnitude ofa force and the length of time the force is applied.

For example, as non-limiting examples, a force sensor unit can act in ananimal activity sensing role, where elevated or diminished activitylevels may provide information related to the reproductive, nutritional,health and wellbeing states of an animal. For example, a force sensorcan be used to detect differences in walking activity of an animalrelative to a previous state of the animal, e.g., when an animal is lamerelative to normal walking activity. Suitable sensor devicesincorporated in the force sensor unit, such as motion sensors (e.g.accelerometers), can measure animal activity, mounting behavior, orother reproductive patterns associated with the absence or onset ofestrus in various embodiments. In some embodiments, a force sensor unitcan be used to monitor breathing or other associated reflex actionswithin the respiratory tract to determine animal wellbeing, e.g.,elevated sneezing activity, and the like. In some embodiments, a forcesensing unit can provide indications of food and water consumption,energy storage, consumption or use, rumen activity, excretion and otherfunctions associated with the intestinal tract or metabolic state of ananimal, combinations thereof, and the like. The animal statusinformation derived and communicated by the sensor apparatus can relateto the reproductive status of the animal.

In some embodiments, the flexible enclosure can be formed by two or moreflexible sheets bonded together to form an internal cavity. The internalcavity can be arranged to receive at least one element of a sensorassembly. In some embodiments, bonding between the two or more flexiblesheets impedes the entry of fluids into the internal cavity defined bythe flexible enclosure. In some embodiments, an opening provides accessfor insertion, removal, or both, of the sensor assembly. For example,the housing can include a retention mechanism operable between anengaged position and a disengaged position. Thus, the housing can be atleast partially sealable to inhibit accidental or unintentional removalof the sensor assembly during use. Further, the opening can be fullysealable to impede the entry of fluids into the internal cavity. In someembodiments, the retaining mechanism can include, e.g., complementaryprotrusions, clasps, holes, combinations thereof, or other features tofacilitate retention of the sensor assembly within the housing toprevent or otherwise limit the accidental or unintentional separation ofthe sensor assembly and the housing during use.

In some embodiments, the flexible enclosure can define a visible surfaceand a mounting surface. At least a portion of the visible surface can beformed from a material substantially transparent to light. The mountingsurface can define a complementary profile to a surface of an animal towhich they sensor apparatus is to be mounted. In some embodiments, themounting surface can be formed from a resiliently deformable materialwhich can return to define a complementary profile relative to amounting surface on the animal after deformation.

In some embodiments, the sensor assembly includes one or more printedelectronic elements on a flexible material. The complementary profile ofthe mounting surface can guide the placement of the flexible enclosureon to a suitable or optimal mounting region of an animal to which thesensor apparatus is to be mounted. Thus, the sensor apparatus describedherein can be used to assist in the mounting of a sensor assembly in apredefined or optimum location in addition to protecting the componentsof the sensor assembly from physical damage or adverse environmentaleffects.

In some embodiments, the accurately guided positioning of the sensorapparatus can optimally position the sensor apparatus to receive signalsfrom electronic devices placed in the digestive organs, reproductiveorgans, implanted within the animal, or combinations thereof, to allowtheir re-transmission, processing, or both, before re-transmission. Insuch embodiments, the housing provided can partially house elements orcomponents associated with the sensor assembly, while the remainingelements or components of the sensor assembly can be implanted orinserted into the animal.

The sensor assembly, housing, or both, can include active or passivedevices, such as an accelerometer, that may be used by the sensorassembly to provide visual feedback, audible feedback, tactile feedback,or combinations thereof, to guide, confirm, or both, correct placementof the sensor assembly, the sensor apparatus, or both. In someembodiments, the feedback provided by the sensor assembly indicates to auser that data regarding a physiological state of the animal has beencollected, detected, or both. In some embodiments, the feedback providedby the sensor assembly can be machine readable, human readable, or both.For example, in some embodiments, one or more cameras or sensors can beused to detect the feedback provided by the sensor assembly. In someembodiments, a switch or button at a central unit, e.g., a processingdevice, can be activated to activate a feedback signal from the sensorassembly.

Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the sensorapparatus according to the present disclosure can take a variety offorms and be used in a variety of applications. In some embodiments, thesensor apparatus can be adapted to mount a sensor assembly on theexterior or hide of a livestock animal. In some embodiments, one or morecomponents of the sensor assembly can be mounted or located internallywithin the animal. In some embodiments, the sensor assembly can bearranged to detect the reproductive status of an animal. Referenceherein is made to the sensor apparatus being used to mount a sensorassembly on the hindquarters of a livestock animal where the sensorassembly is arranged to detect and indicate the reproductive status ofthe animal. However, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciatethat the sensor apparatus discussed herein can be adapted to mount andhouse a variety of different forms of sensor assemblies and the sensorassemblies need not necessarily be mounted to the hides of livestockanimals. For example, in some embodiments, the sensor apparatus can beworn by other animal species or a person, or can provide a mounting forother objects that may undergo an action, such as being exposed to aforce or motion. In some embodiments, the sensor apparatus can be usedto communicate various other forms of animal status information asdiscussed herein. Thus, providing a reproductive status assessmentshould not be seen as limiting.

In embodiments where the sensor apparatus mounts a sensor assembly onthe exterior of an animal, the flexible enclosure or housing providedcan define a visible surface and a mounting surface. The mountingsurface can be formed by at least a portion of the flexible enclosurewhich in use is placed into contact with the exterior of an animal.Conversely, the visible surface can be formed by at least a portion ofthe flexible enclosure which is not placed in contact with the exteriorof an animal and is therefore visible to an observer when a sensorassembly is mounted.

The sensor apparatus can form or define a flexible enclosure or housingwhere the enclosure creates an internal cavity arranged to receive atleast one element of a sensor assembly. In some embodiments, the entiresensor assembly can be inserted into the internal cavity. In someembodiments, elements of the sensor assembly, such as aerials orelectrical connection elements, can extend and project from the internalcavity. The flexible enclosure provided can be fabricated in such amanner or made from suitable materials to result in flexibility in oneor more dimensions. Flexibility can allow the flexible enclosure (andpotentially the elements of the sensor assembly it encloses) to conformto a particular profile, such as the shape of a mounting portion of ananimal.

In some embodiments, the flexible enclosure can be manufactured usingone or more methods that enable consistent, rapid and cost effectiveproduction. The sensor apparatus can be fabricated in a manner whichprovides various advantages over traditional electronic mounting methodsthat are not as robust, economic or reliable for use as an animal sensoras those identified in the present invention. During fabrication, thesensor assembly can be powered on and can be operated in a mode thatallows the sensor assembly to monitor a status of the sensor assembly tokeep the manufacturing process within an optimum set of conditions forefficient, reliable and economic manufacture. In some embodiments, thesensor assembly can detect failure due to some undesirable aspect of themanufacturing process. Such undesirable aspects of the manufacturingprocess can therefore be more easily rectified with the additionalinformation from the sensor assembly.

In some embodiments, a switch, such as a magnetically activated reedswitch, can be used in the sensor assembly to inhibit operation of thesensor assembly during the fabrication process through close proximityof a magnetic field. In some embodiments, suitable potting agents can beused to protect various components of the sensor assembly, such assensors, wiring, electronics, power sources, and the like, from damageduring fabrication, when in use, or both. In some embodiments, elementsof a sensor assembly can be embedded within an interior cavity of aflexible enclosure or housing that is formed in part or in whole usinginjection molding, over-molding, insert molding techniques, combinationsthereof, and the like. In some embodiments, the flexible enclosure canbe formed by bonding two or more flexible sheets together. For example,one or more layers of material can be used to encapsulate sensorassembly components such as, for example, connectors, power sources,recharging mechanisms, electronic elements, sensors, communicationdevices, printed circuit boards, wires, antennas, combinations thereof,and the like.

Laminating techniques can be employed where at least two layers ofmaterial sandwich one or more elements of the sensor assembly.Lamination methods can also be used to improve the manufacturingprocess, performance, reliability, or function of the sensor apparatus.A sealing or bonding step can be included in the manufacturing processfor the flexible enclosure to impede the entry of fluids. The sealing orbonding step can provide desired functionalities such as waterproof orother hermetically sealed properties. Sealing or bonding of the flexibleenclosure can be achieved using heat, ultrasound, other mechanical,pressure, glue, adhesive, chemical bond, additive, subtractive, fusing,folding, embossing, or other suitable method to fuse components within aclosed envelope.

Vacuum forming techniques can be used to provide a unitary sensorapparatus. For example, in some embodiments, heated vacuum formingtechniques can be used to fabricate and seal a flexible enclosure. As anon-limiting example, at least two polymer films (such as, for example,polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene (PE), nylon or layeredcombinations thereof) can be used to form a unitary flexible enclosurethat encapsulates components of a sensor assembly using vacuum formingand heat-sealing techniques.

Loading of one or more components or elements of the sensor assembly canbe automated, human-based, or both. The orientation, location,placement, aspect, or other loading method can occur in one or moresteps in conjunction with fabrication of the flexible enclosure. In someembodiments, rather than being separately loaded into the inner cavityof the housing, the flexible enclosure or housing can be formed aroundthe sensor assembly components as part of a molding process.

In some embodiments, a former or similar element can be used topre-shape one or more sheets or films to a desired three dimensionalform to define a complementary profile. The profile formed can becomplementary to a mounting surface on an animal on which the sensorapparatus is to be mounted, and can be formed in or by a mountingsurface defined by the flexible enclosure. In some embodiments, elementsor components of the sensor assembly can be placed in appropriatelocations (and perhaps pockets) on one of the sheets prior to adding,shaping, and fusing, bonding, or both, a second layer to the firstlayer. The manufacturing method can be mechanized or automated tosimplify operation, increase the yield and efficiency of the process, orboth.

In some embodiments, the mounting surface used to form the complementaryprofile can be flexible yet resiliently deformable and exhibit amaterial memory to return to the complementary profile afterdeformation. Temperature changes, including that of an animal, can beused to assist in conforming a housing, attaching a housing, or both, tothe animal. In some embodiments, the mounting surface used to form thecomplementary profile can be fabricated from an encapsulated flexiblemembrane that contains liquid or semi-liquid materials that deform toaccommodate the shape of the surface being adhered to (e.g., an animalin one embodiment), and be subsequently transformed by a chemicalreaction into a solid or flexible solid that closely conforms to theshape being adhered to. The surface of the housing can be deformedduring manufacture to incorporate structures that can add rigidity tothe housing, enhance retention of the housing on the animal, or both.

The surface area of the complementary profile can be chosen to maximizea contact surface area while the sensor apparatus is affixed to ananimal for a desired period. In some embodiments, the surface area ofthe complementary profile can be designed to provide simpler removal ofthe sensor apparatus from the animal through additional materials, tabs,or other convenient sections. The correct location or positioning of thesensor apparatus can be made to ensure reliable operation of the sensorassembly, while maintaining the position or attachment of the sensorapparatus to the animal to enhance sensor unit performance, enhancesensor unit sensitivity, avoid interference with other sensor units (inthe same animal or in another animal), and the like.

Non-limiting examples for a housing location can include, e.g., the rearrump, the tail bone section, one or more legs, hooves, feet, neck, head,ear, under abdomen, combinations thereof, and the like. Flexibleenclosures can alternatively or simultaneously be located within one ormore cavities, or be located within an animal. For example, where thesensor apparatus is applied for the detection of estrus from animals onheat standing to be mounted by other animals, the location of theflexible enclosure can be located on the back of the animal within anarea between approximately 50 mm and approximately 200 mm of the tail.In some embodiments, the sensor apparatus can facilitate the mounting ofan enclosed sensor assembly at a point centered on the backbone of ananimal approximately 100 mm from the animal's tail.

As noted above, in some embodiments, a contact surface of the flexibleenclosure can form a complementary profile to the mounting location orarea of an animal to which the sensor apparatus is to be mounted. Thecomplementary profile can assist in correctly locating or positioningthe sensor apparatus such that the contact area between the animal andthe contact surface of the sensor apparatus is maximized. In someembodiments, the flexible enclosure can include printed, embossed orother marks perceivable to the operator to aid in correct positioning ofthe sensor apparatus on the animal. Such marks can remain with thehousing when it is attached to the animal or can form a template that isremoved as part of the attachment process. In some embodiments, theflexible enclosure can include features, such as perforations andfiduciary marks, to facilitate autonomous attachment to an animal. Insome embodiments, the flexible enclosure can include features to providecompatibility with a manually operated tool to facilitate rapid orreliable attachment of the sensor apparatus to the animal.

Various portions of the materials used to form the flexible enclosurecan be selected for characteristics such as being waterproof,water-tight, or water resistant. Materials used can include, e.g.,polymeric substances, silicones, rubbers, multi-layer films orlaminates, or other materials such as glasses, metals, or other suitablematerials. The materials used can be breathable, allow gas or liquidexchange, or both, in a known or controlled manner from within theinternal cavity of the enclosure or housing, from the animal onto whichthe sensor apparatus is attached, or both.

In some embodiments, the materials used can be opaque, transparent,semi-transparent, or tinted to light or other parts of theelectromagnetic spectrum. In some embodiments, materials can be coloredas perceived by the human eye to give a specific spectrally distinctappearance. Material opacity or transparency, housing opacity ortransparency, or both, can be used to enable optical or otherelectromagnetic signals to be transmitted, blocked, or both. Dopants,coatings, or both, can be used with or applied to the housing componentsand materials. The dopants, coatings, or both, can include fillers,polymers, dyes, paints, fluorescent, luminescent, phosphorescent,plasmonic, or other organic or non-organic materials. For example, insome embodiments, where the flexible enclosure defines a visiblesurface, at least a portion of the visible surface can be formed from amaterial substantially transparent to light. Visible light signals canthereby be transmitted through the flexible enclosure by the sensorassembly. In some embodiments, the sensor assembly can include aphotovoltaic power supply system.

Reflective, non-reflective, or both, layers or materials can be appliedto various surfaces or elements of the flexible enclosure. Reflectivelayers can be provided using metals or other suitable components orcombinations of compounds such as by using one or more thin film layers.Materials can be chosen that provide an extended or restricted lifetimeof the flexible enclosure. Materials can be chosen such that theflexible enclosure or portions thereof (e.g., detachable portions of theflexible enclosure) can be biodegradable.

In some embodiments, the sensor apparatus can include components toassist in the operation of the sensor assembly in addition to theflexible enclosure or housing. For example, in some embodiments, thesensor apparatus can provide or incorporate shaping elements todistribute light transmitted by the sensor assembly to facilitateobservation of visual signals generated by the sensor assembly. In someembodiments, the sensor apparatus can include a rigid mounting plate orsimilar component within an interior cavity or attached to the flexibleenclosure to provide a surface to which elements of a sensor assemblycan be mounted.

In some embodiments, the sensor apparatus can be attached to an animalby any convenient means to ensure reliable operation. Attachment can bemade through, e.g., glues or other adhesives, biological agents,staples, other adhering methods, combinations thereof, and the like. Themethod of attachment used can provide a temporary, semi-permanent, orpermanent method of attachment. In some embodiments, the flexibleenclosure or housing can be removable, repositionable, or replaceable.

In some embodiments, the flexible enclosure can be attached to theanimal with an adhesive label which is exposed upon a user removing aprotective layer. In some embodiments, a double-sided adhesive pad canbe used to affix the flexible enclosure to the animal. In someembodiments, the method of attachment used can involve the applicationof an adhesive that is spread or applied from a pressurized source suchas a canister. In some embodiments, the flexible enclosure can beattached with a device activated by an electronic signal resulting froman instruction received remotely.

In some embodiments, the method of attachment used can allow theflexible enclosure to be removable, reversible, or both. Disposableelements can be used to provide a simplified workflow. The method ofattachment can be suitably flexible to allow the flexible enclosure tobe partially shifted and then return to an affixed position. Theflexible enclosure can be removed using force, using an assisted method(such as by using a tool or a suitable compound or agent). The method ofattachment used can provide suitable protection of sensor assemblyelements during attachment, use, and removal. Perforations in variousareas of the flexible enclosure can be provided.

The sensor apparatus, sensor assembly, or both, can require a suitablepower source or energy storage to function with acceptable performanceunder a range of conditions. In some embodiments, electrical energy canbe provided by use of an energy storage mechanism, such as a chemicalbattery (electrical), super capacitor, other suitable devices,combinations thereof, and the like. In some embodiments, electricalenergy can be provided by, e.g., a fuel cell, a mechanical storageelement (such as a spring), compressed air, photovoltaic elements,combinations thereof, and the like. Electrical energy can be providednear or in real-time by a suitable generating element, such as aphotovoltaic cell, fuel cell, a mechanical device, a motion-baseddevice, combinations thereof, and the like. In some embodiments, powercan be provided by an energy transport system, such as inductive powertransfer, optical power transfer, microwave power transfer, combinationsthereof, and the like.

In some embodiments, an energy source, an energy harvesting system, orboth, can be incorporated within the sensor apparatus, located in aseparate compartment within the housing, dispersed throughout thehousing, dispersed within the sensor assembly, and the like. In someembodiments, the energy source can be of single-use type (e.g., onedischarge or use cycle) and replaceable. In some embodiments. the energysource can be rechargeable, partially rechargeable, replaceable, and thelike. Recharging or replacement of an energy source can occur while thesensor apparatus is in use, prior to use, after a period of use,combinations thereof, and the like. Recharging of the energy source anoccur in a contact or non-contact manner.

In some embodiments, ports or apertures can be provided within theflexible enclosure to allow exterior access to physical electricalconnectors or plugs connected to elements of the sensor assembly. Theperimeter of the relevant portion of the sensor assembly can thereforebe sealed around the plugs or connectors to impede fluids entering theinternal cavity of the flexible enclosure. In some embodiments, thematerials used to form various portions of the flexible enclosure orhousing can assist in the inductive recharging of energy supply systemsemployed by the sensor assembly. For example, an inductive rechargingsystem can be placed in proximity to the flexible housing of the sensorapparatus to allow the energy supply of the sensor assembly to berecharged.

The sensor apparatuses discussed herein provide a low cost, robust,detection of motion, acceleration, force or impact, pressure, associatedchanges, combinations thereof, and the like. Mounting behavior actionscan be monitored using a binary mechanical switch such as, for example,a pressure switch (e.g., Model FSM4JH manufactured by TE ConnectivityLtd.). A force sensor unit that provides information related to theacceleration experienced in one or more axes can be used to monitor ananimal state (e.g., Model MMA8453Q manufactured by FreescaleSemiconductor, Inc.). The accelerometer sensor can be used in adetermination of reproductive state of an animal through motionalactivity, mounting, or the like.

In some embodiments, force sensitive sensors, detectors, switches, orstrain gauges are configured to enable variable force to be monitoredfor further processing (e.g., force sensitive resistor Model FSR402manufactured by Interlink Electronics, Inc.) can be used. The absolute,or relative, force can be used to determine other characteristics ofmounting behavior, e.g., light or heavy mounting. Force or pressuresensitive switches can be housed, mounted, or modified in a manner thatincreases the sensitivity, reliability, or accuracy of their operation.

Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that a variety ofdifferent forms or types of force sensor units can be employed inconjunction with the present invention. In some embodiments, the sensorapparatus can employ a single force sensor unit. In some embodiments,the sensor apparatus can employ two or more separate force sensor units,e.g., same types of force sensor units, different types of force sensorunits, and the like. In some embodiments, any combination of thearrangements of sensor units discussed herein can be encapsulated in oneor more interior cavities of a housing.

In some embodiments, load distribution elements can be used to alter thefunction, sensitivity, or both, of force sensor units. For example, asilicon membrane switch can be used as a robust and long-lastingmechanical sensor of mounting behavior. In some embodiments, a siliconmembrane switch can form part of a mechanical housing. A switch can beformed using a sandwich of materials, e.g., using layers of varioustypes that contain conductive properties and which are suitablyconnected to electrical detection and measurement systems.

In some embodiments, sensor guards can be implemented with the sensorapparatus to ensure reliable operation of mechanical sensors. Suchguards can be implemented in a manner that limits false activation,inaccurate readings, protects the sensor and associated components fromdamage during fabrication or use, provides a threshold typecharacteristic, and the like.

In some embodiments, the sensor apparatus can include a plurality ofsensor units, with one or more sensor units being provided in additionto a force sensor unit or units. These additional sensor units can beemployed to assess the effect of other variables or parametersassociated with an animal in addition to the measurement of a forceapplied in association with the animal. In some embodiments, a sensorassembly unit can incorporate one or more sensor components orsubsystems to determine motion, acceleration, orientation, aspect,switch action, tactile phenomenon, touch phenomenon, temperature, light,sound, temperature, location including global positioning, (ruminant)pH, chemical or biochemical status, electromagnetic signal or acombination of any of these variables. Various sensors and combinationsof sensor unit data can be combined by way of weighting functions,multiplicative algorithms or other mathematical functions to improve theaccuracy and reliability of measurements.

Sensor components or subsystems can be located near each other, withinthe same device or housing, or in a plurality of housings. Sensingsystems can communicate with other sensing systems (on an animal or onmultiple animals or mounted on permanent or mobile physical structuresor associated with or used by human operators). One or more of thesensors, devices, or both, can be used to provide a reference orcalibration function.

In some embodiments, sensor assembly units can receive information fromother devices either inside the animal (including intrauterine orintravaginally), on a surface, external, or distant from the animal,combinations thereof, and the like. Such devices can be used forbreeding and animal husbandry to integrate collected information withthe animal sensing systems, process and analyze the information toimprove animal breeding worth, conception rates, improved herdmanagement, and the value of a herd as a whole, and the like.

In some embodiments, sensor assembly units can be deployed inside ananimal in a variety of embodiments. For example, in some embodiments,several similar sensors assembly units can be distributed throughout asensor body housing to improve accuracy of detection of the targetanimal status. This approach can be used to distinguish mountingactivity from head bumping, jostling by other animals or other motion.In some embodiments, an opto-interrupter can be used with a lever thatcomes down to block, or partially block, a beam of light. Theopto-interrupter sensor can be arranged to digitally detect only thepresence or absence of actuation of the lever. In some embodiments, theopto-interrupter can include an analogue configuration and use partialobstruction of the beam to provide an estimate of an actuating force.

As indicated above, one or more sensor assembly units can be used todetermine the reproductive state (or health) of an animal where thesensor units employ other transduction techniques to force measurement.For example, capacitive sensing techniques can be used to detect thepresence, absence or distance to an object, such as an animal within acertain zone, with respect to the location of a sensor assembly unit.The capacitive sensing technique can be used to determine whether thesensor assembly unit is housed on an animal or not, or on the ground.Optical reflection, optical absorption, radio frequency strength, orcombinations thereof, from sensors on other animals can be used todetermine proximity of animals in the vicinity of a sensor assemblyunit. In some embodiments, microwave, radio wave, or other parts of theelectromagnetic spectrum can be used to monitor animal behavior todetermine the reproductive state of an animal of interest. Other sensingmechanisms can include magnetic (e.g. Hall Effect), temperature,acoustic, and motion to determine a physiological state of the animal.

In some embodiments, one or more sensors or sensor assembly units can beused concurrently to derive or detect the reproductive status or otherstate of an animal. For example, a mounting force provided by anaccelerometer (one or more axis motion) can be used to determine and toimprove the accuracy of mounting behavior. Force or pressure associatedwith animal contact can provide increased confidence in measurement of areproductive state. Proximity of animals can be used to more accuratelyassess whether mounting behavior has occurred and standing heatactivities. In some embodiments, mounting duration can be indicative ofa physiological state of the animal (often referred in common parlanceas “standing to be ridden”) which is indicative of a behavioral state ofoestrus.

Sensor assembly units that are within or are attached to the exteriorsurface of an animal can be used in combination to determine thereproductive, nutritional, or health state of an animal. In someembodiments, physical or biochemical measurements (such as pH ortemperature) from within the rumen, uterus, other cavity or otherlocation within the animal can be combined with external data (such asmounting activity or other motion) to determine the reproductive orhealth state of an animal.

In some embodiments, a sensor assembly unit can utilizes a mechanicalswitch such as, for example, a pressure switch (e.g., Model FSM4JHmanufactured by TE Connectivity Ltd.) and a motion sensor (e.g., ModelMMA8453Q manufactured by Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.) to combinesensing methods and improve the accuracy of heat detection activity. Insome embodiments, a pressure (e.g., ratio of force to area over whichforce is distributed) sensitive element and a motion sensor can becombined to perform heat detection monitoring

Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that a sensorassembly unit employed by the sensor apparatus can be designed to befabricated and function over a wide range of temperatures, lightintensities, chemical exposures, force, impact, environmentalconditions, whether located on or within the animal (being exposed towater, temperature, light, biological fluids and materials, foreignsubstances), abrasion, and re-use. In some embodiments, a sensorassembly unit can harness, rejection, or both, light, heat, or both, ina passive or active manner either directly or to generate electricityfor the sensor unit.

In some embodiments, the sensor apparatus can be adapted to mount asensor assembly unit on the exterior or hide of a livestock animal. Thelocation of a sensor assembly unit on the animal can be critical for itto accurately perform the operations described herein. In someembodiments, for detection of estrus from the animal on heat, standingto be mounted for other animals mounting behavior, the location of theflexible enclosure, e.g., housing, can be centered on the back of theanimal within an area between approximately 20 mm and approximately 50mm proximal to the tail. In some embodiments, the sensor apparatus canbe employed to mount a sensor assembly unit at a point centered on thebackbone of an animal approximately 30 mm from the tail of the animal.In some embodiments, a sensor assembly can employ electronic placementguides, such as through the use of an accelerometer or capacitance, toassist in accurately positioning the sensor apparatus on the animal.

In some embodiments, various forms of sensor assembly units can bemounted on or within the body of the animal in different locations,orientations, and attachment manners. In some embodiments, a housinglocation can include the rear rump, tail bone section, one or more legs,hooves, feet, neck, head, ear, under abdomen, and the like. In someembodiments, the sensor apparatus can be used to deploy sensor assemblyunits within one or more cavities, or to be located within an animal.Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the combinationof purposeful or accurate sensor assembly unit location, placement, orboth, combined with the data gathered can improve the operatingperformance of one or more measurements provided in accordance with thepresent disclosure.

In some embodiments, a sensor assembly unit, a transmitter unit, orboth, can be enclosed within the housing of the sensor apparatus. Thetransmitter unit can be arranged to receive a force measurement signal,an accelerometer signal, or both, from one or more sensors and tocommunicate to a user animal status information derived at least in partfrom the received measurement signal or signals. In some embodiments, asensor assembly unit can be combined with a transmitter unit todistribute information or data sourced from the output of the sensorassembly unit. In some embodiments, the sensor apparatus can includetransmitter units which are not directly attached to sensor assemblyunits.

A variety of transmitter unit devices and methods are envisaged toassist with the transfer of information to and from sensor assemblyunits. In some embodiments, transmitter units can includetelecommunication hardware, software, firmware, and the like. In someembodiments, transmitter units can use other communication mechanisms.Transmitter units can be co-located with or within a microprocessor orcomputer, each of which includes a CPU. Transmitter units can operateindependently or in combination with additional transmitter units. Insome embodiments, one or more transmitter units can be used to enablelarge spatial range, a number of sensor assembly units to be operated,to increase the reliability of data transport, and the like. In someembodiments, one or more transmitter units can be attached to one ormore animals. Other communication techniques, such as mesh networks, canbe used to enhance connectivity.

In some embodiments, transmitter units can be connected to each other, acentral connection mechanism, or both, via physical wires or throughwireless telecommunication technologies (e.g., Ethernet, USB, RS232,RS485, Wi-Fi, Cell Phone, microwave, light, ultra-narrow band (UNB)communication, other radiofrequency protocols that operate over shortand extended ranges, and the like). In some embodiments, transmitterunits can be portable. Transmitter units can utilize many or all partsof a portable device, such as a cell phone, tablet, or the like. In someembodiments, transmitter units can require animals (and therefore sensorassembly units) to be located within a certain proximity in order forcommunication to occur. In some embodiments, communication throughtransmitter units can require line-of-sight.

In some embodiments, the function of transmitters can include displayingto show information relating to steps to prepare a sensor assembly unitfor monitoring, attachment, or both, to an animal, storing datacollected and making the information available directly to an end uservia visual, audible, or tactile methods, making the informationavailable directly to a local or remote computer, making the informationavailable through a hosted webserver, or one or more Global PositioningSystems (GPS) which provide information for setting up the sensorsystem. In some embodiments, GPS information can be used to determinewhether a sensor assembly unit is in range of radiofrequencytransmitters and receivers, to provide general location information forother conception, breeding, herd, or veterinary processes, provide atime reference, and the like.

In some embodiments, transmitter units can operate using one or moresuitable power sources, such as battery or main supplies. Transmitterscan include sensors or be connected to sensor assembly units whichdetect information such as ambient temperature, rainfall, soilconditions, wind direction wind speed, phase of the moon, or otherevents that are related to animal herd or farming, farm management andeconomic practices, including predictive measures such as water and feeduse and planning, effluent management, health measures and otherenvironmental influences. In some embodiments, transmitters can belocated at one or more stationary positions. In some embodiments,transmitters can be mounted on an elevated position where natural orman-made landscape offers barriers to communication to improvecommunication reliability, coverage, or both. In some embodiments,transmitters can be mounted on one or more non-stationary (mobile)platforms including animals, vehicles, humans, or other movable objects.In some embodiments, transmitters can be coupled with one or more sensorassembly units within the same or a different housing. In someembodiments, transmitters can be self-propelled, remote controlled, orboth. In some embodiments, transmitters can operate on tracks or otherguidance devices. In some embodiments, transmitters can be lofted ontethered or untethered balloons. Such mounting schemes can enhanceperformance where natural or man-made landscape offer barriers tocommunication with sensors to improve communication reliability,coverage, or both.

Information, data, calculated values, other useful information, and thelike, can be transmitted to assist in the function of the sensorapparatus. Methods for transmitting information of partial or full datasets can include, e.g., electromagnetic (including radio, microwave,visible, UV, infra-red components of the electromagnetic spectrum),acoustic, pressure, thermal or other well-known communicationmechanisms, and the like. Optical electromagnetic signals can be pulsed,modulated, digitally encoded (e.g. Morse code style), and the like. Longrange radio frequency methods can be employed to enable large-areaoperation and communication with sensor assembly units or to reduce thenumber of transmitter units required. Communication can occur in a oneway or multi-way fashion between two or more devices, one device and anoperator, or both. Data can be transmitted on demand in packets thatcontain one or more data sets, in multiple sub-packets that whencombined contain a complete packet, or both. In some embodiments, othercommunication systems such as cellular telephone towers, satellites,vehicular, and other devices can also be utilized to enable or enhancetransmission.

In some embodiments, transmission, communication, or both, can occur ondemand, at preset intervals, synchronously, asynchronously, and thelike. In some embodiments, transmission can occur at a certain time ofday, week, month, or may be made outside a known period. Under certaincircumstances, non-transmission events can occur. For example,non-communication can occur to avoid confusion between one or moresensing devices, sensing device sets, or both, and a receiving device,indicate a particular animal state, indicate a sensor state (e.g.,functioning properly), limit or save energy use, and the like. In someembodiments, mobile phone technology or components can be used totransmit data, receive data, or both. Internet connectivity can beprovided to enable upload, download, control, data storage capability,and the like.

In some embodiments, data can be stored locally by a transmitter unituntil successful receipt is acknowledged to improve system reliability,data integrity, reduce power use, and the like. In some embodiments,provisions can be employed to improve reliability such that data can bestored or resent periodically in the event that data is not acknowledgedby one of the system components. Sending data, resending data, or both,can occur at random intervals to avoid collisions from transmission bymultiple transmitters units becoming synchronized. The acknowledgment oftransmitted data can include additional information to reconfigure thesensor such as, for example, turning a signaling LED on or off,decommissioning a device, instructing the system to wait for furtherinformation or instructions to cease, change, or both, monitoringbehavior, and the like. To aid the user, operator, or other relevantperson, user interface alerts can be used to specify an animal sensorassembly unit state, an animal reproductive state, an animal state, orother relevant information so that management practices can be conductedin an efficient manner.

In some embodiments, a transmitter unit can function as a userinterface. For example, when used as a user interface, the transmitterunit can utilize one or more human senses (e.g., touch, vibration,sound, an audible tone, sight, a visible indicator, and the like) toalert the user as to the operational state of the animal sensor, thereproductive or other state of the animal, or other environmentalfactors such as temperature, time, and the like. For visible indication,user interface alerts can include text, light, reflection ortransmission, or both, of light, brightness, duration, frequency,wavelength, position, geometry, shape, direction, on-off combination,traffic light, flash length, frequency, or other user-visible code.Visible indications can be enabled through altering animal state, suchas by movement. For example, an audible tone can direct an animal tomove in a particular manner or direction.

Signals produced by transmitter units can be dual purpose, such as wherea human can observe a particular status indication while a non-humanreader can read the same information, more information, or lessinformation. For example, a number of flashes that can be visible to thehuman observer can contain information (e.g., a binary code) that is notdetectable by the human observed, but that contains the same, less oryet further information (e.g., data). Aspects related to color-blindnesscan be considered when developing such systems to ensure an accurateuser interface, and can include or exclude certain colors from the userinterface set, but can, for example, use one or more other factors toclearly indicate a sensor state of an animal as a means to represent adesired animal state.

In some embodiments, alerts can be provided for a sensor assembly unitwhen not paired or in contact with an animal. For example, the absenceof motion can be used to signify that a sensor is not on an animal, isnot working properly, or has fallen off an animal. Data or informationderived in conjunction with the sensor apparatus can be coupled withdevices known as augmented reality (AR) systems. AR systems can overlayinformation on the user's visual field through electronically enhancedapparel as the user observes animals on which the sensor apparatus hasbeen deployed or attached. This information can be linked directly tospecific animals identified by position information transmitted by asensor, by physical characteristics, or both. In some embodiments, thisinformation can be presented in summary form providing statistics oraggregate data for animals in the general vicinity of a transmitterstation.

Data or information derived in conjunction with the sensor apparatus canbe communicated to a user by way of assisted means to direct theattention to particular animals. For example, a user can wear glasses,or a similar passive tool, incorporating appropriately selected wavebandfilters to enhance the contrast of visual signals emitted by the sensor.In some embodiments, acoustic techniques can be used to assist the userwhereby looking in a certain direction, such as at an animal ofinterest, causes an audible tone.

In some embodiments, one or more sensor units can be used to determinethe status of an animal and can provide user alerts related to aparticular animal, a sensor unit state, or both. For example, animalstates can include standing heat, estrus, or other reproductivecondition, or even the act of giving birth. Alert state can indicatethat an animal should be inseminated or otherwise managed forreproductive purposes (e.g., drafted or otherwise isolated orpositioned). In some embodiments, sensor alert states can include,communicate, or both, malfunction or potential malfunction, compromisedconditions such as faulty sensor(s) low battery, removal from animal orincorrect attachment, communication errors, self-test results or otherdiagnostic methods. In some embodiments, alerts can be used to assist infinding a sensor assembly unit detached from an animal. User alerts canbe provided for and associated with other reproductive, health, ornutritional herd management occurrences, activities, and the like. Insome embodiments, an animal unwell state, as determined by one or moresensor assembly unit outputs, can be communicated as an alert. Forexample, the observation that an animal is moving (motion) less thanusual or than it should be, or relative to other animals or historicalinformation can result in an alert related to the reproductive, healthor vital state of the animal.

In some embodiments, the sensor assembly units cab include dataprocessing capabilities using, for example, a microprocessor, such as anATMega644P. Data processing capabilities can include coordinating datacollection from multiple sensor assembly units (either on-board or inclose proximity), processing the data collected from the force sensorand the accelerometer through an algorithm to determine, for example, ifthe host animal is in heat, processing to reduce the quantity of datathat needs to be relayed over a communications link, filtering datacollected from sensors to reduce noise or alerting an artificialinsemination or veterinary technician or other person to take aparticular action. The sensor assembly units can store data collected toaid in future decision making, as well as transmission to an externalsystem. Sensor assembly units can source data from external systems,including on-line databases and other sensor systems, to optimizebreeding to increase the conception rate or other importantcharacteristics that increase the value of the animal, including but notlimited to sires and cows.

In some embodiments, sensor assembly units can take advantage of lowpower modes built into the microprocessor. For example, a microprocessorcan be configured to remain in a low power mode until “woken” by anexternal event provided by, for example, an animal sensor assembly unit,a periodic pulse provided by an external clock, and the like. Sensorassembly units can include a real-time clock for providing anindependent time stamp to data collected by a microprocessor. Areal-time clock alarm function can be used to wake the microprocessor ofthe sensor periodically.

Data storage can be managed in one or more ways, such as local (within asensor assembly unit), at a transmitter unit, on other sensor assemblyunits, or remotely (within a remote storage means, such as computers,servers, or remote servers). Data can be retained within one or more ofthe methods or systems described herein, whether communicated or not.Data can remain on a sensor assembly unit, transmitter, local computer,remote computer or other storage means until successfully retrieved by adesired data storage step, after successfully retrieved by a desireddata storage step, or both.

Sensor assembly units can be operated in any mode that enables 24 hourmulti-day operation. Sensor assembly units can be designed to enable themonitoring of an animal continuously, in an event-driven manner,synchronously, or asynchronously with respect to time or certain timeperiods. Clock, time of day features or other herd management activityknowledge can be used to sense, communicate, or both, sensor assemblyunit status or data. For example, an animal can be feeding, beingmilked, moved, being inseminated, or undergoing some other herdmanagement activity. This knowledge or associated data can be used toconduct further herd management actions, such as isolating or separatinganimals, readying animals for artificial insemination, and the like.Sensor assembly units can use the measurement of ambient light, time ofday, or both, to determine daytime, nighttime, or both, sensor assemblyunit operation and any associated activities. Operating the sensorassembly units in these modes can advantageously enable stretchedbattery lifetime while maximizing operational functionality. It isenvisaged that in some embodiments, sensor assembly units can be operatefor 60 days or more when in an active state, and 12 months or more whenin a non-active state.

In some embodiments, one or more strategies can be used detect theunintentional detachment of a sensor assembly unit from an animal and toaid the recovery of the sensor assembly unit. If a sensor becomesremoved from an animal, various sensing techniques, such as temperature,motion, location sensing, and the like, can be used to determine thatsuch an event has occurred, and to assist with locating the sensor. Forexample, in some embodiments, a sensor assembly unit, transmitter unitand a communication system can enable an alert system. In someembodiments, user can enable an alert system. In some embodiments, analert system can involve light (including certain colors, color changes,and on-off cycles), sound, vibration, radio frequency signal or otherassistance mechanisms, whether intrinsic or activated, to allow a userto locate a sensor assembly unit. In some embodiments, an alert systemcan provide proximity or other location information. Those of ordinaryskill in the art will appreciate that a sensor assembly unit canactivate alternative signaling mechanisms (such as SMS texts, e-mails,LEDs or buzzers) automatically if it fails to communicate data with atransmitter device for a prolonged period to aid in location of thesensor.

Electronic animal sensing systems can include a suitable power source,storage mechanism, or both, to enable the reliable function andacceptable performance under a range of conditions. Power can beprovided by use of an energy storage mechanism, such as a chemicalbattery (electrical), super capacitor, or other suitable device (such asfuel cell, mechanical storage element such as spring, compressed air,solar, and the like). Power can be provided in near real-time by asuitable generating element, such as a photovoltaic cell, fuel cell, amechanical device, a motion-based device, combinations thereof, and thelike. In some embodiments, power can be provided by an energy transportsystem, such as inductive power transfer, optical power transfer,microwave power transfer, and the like.

In some embodiments, the power source can be of a single-use type (e.g.,one discharge or use cycle), replaceable, and the like. The power sourcecan be rechargeable, partially rechargeable, or replaceable. Rechargingor replacement of a power source can occur while the animal sensorapparatus is in use, prior to use, after use, or combinations thereof.Recharging of a power source can occur in a contact or non-contactmanner (where contact might involve the physical connection ofelectrically conductive contacts, and where non-contact might involveinductive charging methods). In some embodiments, inductive methods canbe used when a sensor assembly unit is in appropriate proximity withrespect to a charging means. Conductive materials (such as certainconductive silicon materials) can be used for connection elements withinthe sensor assembly unit.

When a rechargeable power source is employed, a charging system can beused to reduce the labor required for recharging the sensor apparatus.In some embodiments, one or more sensors or transmitter units can besimultaneously charged by the charging station. In some embodiments, oneor more spring-loaded contactors can be used to provide rapid attachmentof the charging supply to one or more sensors or transmitter units. Insome embodiments, a hole in a sensor or transmitter unit housing thatmates with a suitable protrusion on the charger (or vice versa) can beemployed to provide rapid coupling of the charger. In some embodiments,inductive charging systems can be employed to simplify user operation,expedite charging of one or more sensors, transmitter units, or both,combinations thereof, and the like. One or more sensor unit features canbe used in order for recharging to be made possible whilst enabling easeof use and robust operation. In some embodiments, conductive polymerinterconnects can be embedded within a unibody or multipart housing,thereby providing a flexible, watertight electrical connection.

In some embodiments, a commissioning station can be used to reduce laborand facilitate preparation for attaching sensor assembly units andtransmitter units to animals. The commissioning station can include oneor more sensors to identify a particular sensing assembly unit from aplethora of operating or non-operating sensing assembly units in thevicinity of the commissioning station. For example, identification canbe through a bar-code, a quick response code (QR code), a radiofrequencyidentification tag (RFID tag), transmission by the sensor over a codedlight pulse, audio, tactile, thermal, or radio signal. Identifyinginformation read by the commissioning station can be printed, physicallystructured, electronically recorded, and the like, within the sensorbody.

The commissioning station can include one or more sensors to identify aparticular artificial insemination straw from a plethora of straws, andlikewise the commissioning station can include one or more sensors toidentify a veterinary device used by an operator to determine usefulcharacteristics of an animal related to health, metabolic state,reproductive state, nutritional state or general wellbeing. In someembodiments, sensors can include methods for measuring fetus health. Thecommissioning station can include one or more user operated inputs toinitiate, confirm or cancel a commissioning operation. Such inputs caninclude push button switches, touch screen interface elements, or otherhuman interface techniques. Some, none, or all of the functions of thecommissioning station can be incorporated in a sensor assembly unit,transmitter unit, a charging station, or vice versa.

In some embodiments, a reprocessing system can be used to receive,prepare, or both, sensor apparatus units for use or re-use. Thereprocessing system can provide modifications to sensor assembly unithousing exterior, interior, or components to render the sensor assemblyunit capable of re-use. The reprocessing system can strip materials usedin the prior attachment step (such as glues, adhesives, adhesive layers,and the like) such that a new attachment material or layer can beapplied. Reprocessing can include a component removal mechanism or stepwhereby various components or materials are removed and replaced. Forexample, part or all of a mechanical housing can be removed andreplaced. In some embodiments, components from within the housing can bereplaced (e.g., batteries, sensors, wires, mounts, connectors, and thelike). The reprocessing system can apply a new adhesive layer or layerthat will accept adhesive. Adhesives can be applied using direct contact(e.g. brush, sponge, spray, adhesive layer, sheet, or film). In someembodiments, the reprocessing system can reprogram a sensor assemblyunit. In some embodiments, the reprocessing system can replace orrecharge a power unit within the sensor apparatus. The reprocessingsystem can recondition a sensor apparatus unit in any other way thatreturns the system to a previous state prior to use, to addfunctionality, or both. The reprocessing system can permanently mark orrecord visually, electronically, or by some other readable orrecognizable means, the reprocessed state of the sensor apparatus unit.The state can include the number of times the sensor apparatus unit hasbeen reprocessed, or the date the sensor apparatus unit was reprocessed.The state can include the performance specifications of the sensorapparatus unit, identification of the reprocessing system,identification of the operator, or both.

In some embodiments, the sensor system can include an update server. Insome embodiments, the server can be a computer that is or can be incommunication with one or more computers, often referred to as anetwork. An update server can facilitate field updating of software,firmware, or both, installed on microprocessor systems in a sensorapparatus, transmitter unit, charging station, commissioning station,combinations thereof, and the like. The update server can provideupdates by radio link, physical electrical connection or optical-link.Some, none, or all of the functions of the update server can beincorporated in the transmitter unit, charging station, commissioningstation, or vice versa.

The update server can be provided to enable the sensor apparatus units,transmitter units, or both, to be altered, improved, upgraded, and thelike, or to take other action whereby software is altered, modified, orreplaced to upgrade the devices. The upgrade can occur during acommissioning step, recharging step, during inactive operation, duringactive operation, combinations thereof, and the like. The upgrade canoccur using radio frequency methods, via direct wire contacts, viainductive coupling, and the like. In the case of inductive coupling, thesoftware update can share or be independent from an inductive chargingsystem. The upgrade can be user initiated (such as, for example, bypressing a button on a sensor apparatus housing, activating a reedswitch by a magnet, and the like) or be initiated by a command sent froma second device (such as a transmitter). A sensor assembly unit ortransmitter unit can periodically check for updates by contacting anupdate server to self-determine if the device has the latest version ofthe software. Updates can be signed by a cryptographic key to indicatethat the update is authorized or valid for reasons of accuracy,security, or enhance operation. Certain update data can be compressedusing one or more algorithms to facilitate more efficient use of thedata transport path, to minimize errors with upgrades, use data, and thelike. Updates can include checksum methods to ensure the data has notbeen corrupted during transmission, to minimize the probability of lossof valuable data that has been produced is likely to be produced by thesensor assembly, transmitter units, or both, for the intendedapplication, and the like.

When sensing animal characteristics, it can be important that aparticular sensor assembly unit measures and is identified accuratelywith an animal of interest. In some embodiments, this identification canbe achieved by identifying an animal with a unique multiple digit numberor equivalent code against which all of the animal's information isrecorded. To reduce the complexity of ensuring coupled identification ofa sensor assembly unit and an animal, a pairing system can be used tolink the sensor assembly and the animal. For example, in someembodiments, a commissioning station can include a display device topresent information to an operator to aid the efficiency or reliabilityof the process used to identify and pair devices to allow effective andefficient communication between sensor apparatuses. Information to dothis can include the identification of the animal or sensor assemblyunit, status of the animal, the sensor assembly unit, other externalsensor units, and the like.

In some embodiments, status information used in a pairing system caninclude breeding data, artificial insemination straw identification,veterinary device identification, and the like. In some embodiments,unique intrinsic biometric characteristics can be used foridentification, such as retinal images. In some embodiments, sensorstatus information can include sensor identification, battery chargelevel, active state self-test diagnostics or results, previous use,time, other performance metrics, and the like.

In some embodiments, extrinsic devices can be used for pairing. RFIDdevices can be used on animals through ear tags, implantable devices, orother mechanisms. A sensor apparatus unit can utilize at least onedistinguishing feature to become paired or matched to the animal forsome period of time, including permanently. In some embodiments, thepairing step can occur during the commissioning or attachment of thesensor apparatus to the animal (before during or after attachment),where, for example, the RFID device and code is recorded on the unit isassociated with the sensor apparatus by some means (e.g., at atransmitter unit or in database software). In some embodiments, thecommissioning step can use light transmission (emission and detection)means to operate. In some embodiments, other unique identification meansor informational transfer can be utilized, e.g., bar codes, QR codes,and the like.

In some embodiments, decommissioning or disassociating a sensorapparatus or transmitter unit from the animal can occur, e.g., after apre-programmed period of time, on attachment of the sensor apparatus toa charging system, on command from a transmitter station, and the like.The decommissioning or disassociating step can occur where it is desiredthat a sensor apparatus be used in association with another animal orfor another purpose.

In some embodiments, at a certain time, at or after a certain state ornumber of animal or sensor apparatus states, it may be desirable toremove one or more sensor apparatuses from one or more animals. In orderto aid the removal process, one or more alerts can be provided by sensorapparatus, transmitter unit, charging station, commissioning station,update server, any other related device (including but not limited toportable electronic devices), and the like. For example, the sensorapparatus, transmitter unit, or both, can alert the user either throughlight flashing on the sensor apparatus, messages on the transmitter,delivered to a computer via the internet from a server, or combinationsthereof. The cause for removal of the sensor apparatus can be due to thereproductive or health condition of the animal, loss of power,communication, or other condition. Removal of the sensor apparatus fromthe animal can be through electronic disengagement of the sensor withthe animal or can require special techniques using solvents, tools ormechanical techniques.

In some embodiments, the sensor apparatus, sensor assembly, transmitterunit, combinations thereof, and the like, can be designed or fabricatedto enable re-use. If the unit contains or requires a power storage unit,such as a battery, the unit can provide necessary means to re-charge.For example, one or more contacts or contact points can be providedwithin or on the sensor apparatus. In some embodiments, rechargingcircuitry can be contained to control, monitor, or both, the status orprogress of a charging cycle. In some embodiments, the power storageunit can be replaceable as a means for re-using the sensor apparatus.For example, batteries can be used and replaceable in a simple step ornumber of steps. In some embodiments, sacrificial layers or materialscan be used to gain access to a power source, and can be replaced withthe same or different layers or materials.

In some embodiments, alternative power sources can be used, includingthose that contain a gas, fuel, pressure source, flywheel, or otherchargeable method or mechanism. The power source can be providedentirely or partially by a non-rechargeable or somewhat real-timesource, such as motion or mechanical action (of the sensor system orsome other object), electromagnetic radiation (solar energy or otherelectromagnetic source), heat (provided by the environment or animal),acoustic energy, and the like. In some embodiments, the method ofrecharging can be performed using a clip, using magnetic contactmethods, the mass of the sensor, or some other means that provideselectrical contact to suitable exposed contacts on the sensor apparatus.In some embodiments, inductive or wireless charging can be used byproviding a means for locating a sensor apparatus appropriately withrespect to a charging unit.

Turning now to FIGS. 1 and 2, side and rear views of an exemplary sensorapparatus 100 are provided. The sensor apparatus 100 includes a housing102 including one or more interior cavities 104, 106, 108 formedtherein. Components of a sensor assembly, e.g., sensor elements 110,112, 114 can be disposed within the housing 102. For example, the sensorelement 110 can be positioned within the interior cavity 104, the sensorelement 112 can be positioned within the interior cavity 106, and thesensor element 108 can be positioned within the interior cavity 108.Although illustrated with three interior cavities 104, 106, 108, in someembodiments, the housing 102 can include, e.g., one, two three, four,five, and the like interior cavities. Thus, for example, one or moresensor elements 110, 112, 114 can be disposed within a single interiorcavity configured and dimensioned to receive the respective sensorelements 110, 112, 114.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the sensor apparatus 100 can be mounted on ananimal 116, e.g., a livestock animal. For example, the sensor apparatus100 can be mounted on the hindquarters of the animal 116 to detect thereproductive status of the animal 116. The housing 102 can be formedfrom one or more flexible sheets to define a flexible enclosure. Thus, abottom or mounting surface of the housing 102 can be formed to followthe contour of the mounting surface of the animal 116. In someembodiments, the housing 102 can include a resiliently deformablematerial which defines a profile complementary to the mounting surfaceof the animal 116. For example, the resiliently deformable material canbe pre-formed to define a profile complementary to the preferredmounting surface of the animal 116 such that a user can accuratelyposition the sensor apparatus 100 in a location that provides the mostaccurate results. In some embodiments, the profile of the mountingsurface of the animal 116 can be scanned to create a three-dimensionalresiliently deformable material with a profile complementary to themounting surface of the animal 116. For example, the resilientlydeformable material can define a substantially concave mounting surface.In some embodiments, rather than a centrally positioned concave portionand side flaps, the concave portion can be off-center.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the sensor apparatus 100. As can beseen from FIG. 3, the sensor apparatus 100 is arranged to locate orinclude one or more components of a sensor assembly, e.g., elements 110,112, 114. The elements 110, 112, 114 can be disposed inside one or moreinternal cavities 104, 106, 108 defined by the flexible enclosure of thehousing 102. In some embodiments, the element 110 can be a processingdevice or unit, the element 112 can be an arrangement of a force orsensor transducer unit and an accelerometer, and the element 114 can bea power source, a power charging element, or both. In some embodiments,the element 112 can be, e.g., a formed by a combination of a forcesensor or a pressure sensor, and an accelerometer. Thus, the element 112can sense a force and acceleration imparted on the animal 116 duringmounting. For example, when the animal 116 is in heat and is mounted byother animals 116, the element 112 can detect the acceleration, forceand duration of application of the force during mounting. Theaccelerometer can detect the magnitude or speed of motion and theduration of motion of the animal 116 to determine when the motion isagitated or increased, representing the animal 116 in heat.

The housing 102 can include an upper layer 118, e.g., a first flexiblesheet, which is sealed over a bottom layer 120, e.g., a second flexiblesheet, to enclose the components of the sensor assembly. In someembodiments, the upper layer 118, e.g., the upper surface of the housing102, can be a transparent surface through which light can betransmitted, through which the sensor assembly can be seen, or both. Insome embodiments, the bottom layer 120 can represent the mountingsurface of the housing 102. The upper and bottom layers 118, 120 can bebonded and sealed together along perimeter lines or portions of theinternal cavities 104, 106, 108 where the upper and bottom layers 118,120 meet.

Electrical connection elements 122, 124 shown in FIG. 3 enable variouselements 110, 112, 114 to perform and communicate relative to each otherwithin the housing 102. In some embodiments, an imprint structure 126,e.g., a diamond pattern, can be formed into one or more layers of thehousing 102 to assist in positioning the sensor apparatus 100 relativeto the animal 116. However, it should be understood that alternativegeometries can be used for the imprint structure 126.

The housing 102 can define a substantially rectangular configuration. Insome embodiments, a central portion 128 of the housing 102 can includeV-shaped cut-outs 130 on opposing sides of the housing 102. The cut-outs130 can assist in positioning and conforming the housing 102 to theprofile of the animal 116. For example, the cut-outs 130 can reducewrinkles or folds in the housing 102 during application onto the animal116. The sensor elements 110, 112, 114 can be distributed within thehousing 102 to assist in balancing the sensor apparatus 100 on theanimal 116. For example, in some embodiments, the sensor element 110 canbe positioned in an internal cavity 104 of a first flap 132, e.g., afirst wing, the sensor element 112 can be positioned in an internalcavity 106 of the central portion 128, and the sensor element 114 can bepositioned in an internal cavity 108 of a second flap 134, e.g., asecond wing. The first and second flaps 132, 134 can extend in opposingdirections away from the central portion 128 such that when the sensorapparatus 100 is positioned on the animal 116, the first and secondflaps 132, 134 can maintain a substantially even weight distribution oneither side of the central portion 128.

FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional rear view of a sensor apparatus 150. Thesensor apparatus 150 can be substantially similar in structure andfunction to the sensor apparatus 100 described above, except for thedistinctions noted herein. In some embodiments, sensor elements of asensor assembly 152 can be located in one place within a single internalcavity 154 provided in the housing 156. The sensor assembly 152 can bepositioned on an animal 116. In some embodiments, an integrated, sealedsensor package 158 can be arranged between an upper layer 160 forming avisible surface and a bottom layer 162 forming a mounting surface of thehousing 156. The upper layer 160 can therefore be visible or accessiblewhen the sensor apparatus 150 is attached to the animal 116 and thebottom layer 162 can be positioned against the animal 116 for attachmentthereto. The housing 156 can provide a flexible enclosure for the sensorassembly 152. The profile of the enclosure can conform and follow thecontour 164 of the animal 116 spine once positioned and affixedappropriately to the animal 116.

The bottom layer 162, e.g., the mounting surface, can define acomplementary profile which is arranged to assist alignment of thesensor apparatus 150 within approximately 100 mm from the proximal endof the tail of the animal 116. The flexible nature of the materials usedto form the sensor apparatus 150 can allow the first and second sideflaps 166, 168, e.g., wings, to extend laterally from the spine of theanimal 116 and attach to the surface above the pelvic bone at a centralportion 170 of the housing 156.

FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional rear view of a sensor apparatus 200. Thesensor apparatus 200 can be substantially similar in structure andfunction to the sensor apparatus 150 described above, except for thedistinctions noted herein. In particular, although the sensor apparatus200 also includes an internal cavity 154 for housing a sensor assembly152, the components of the sensor assembly 152 can be interchangeablethrough a retaining mechanism 202.

The retaining mechanism 202 can be used to hold or encase the sensorassembly 152 within the internal cavity 154 by being operable between anengaged position and a disengaged position. The retaining mechanism 202performs a mechanical function, sealing function, or both, and can bereleased and re-engaged on demand. As shown in FIG. 5, the profile ofthe upper and bottom layers 160, 162 of the housing 156 form part of theretention mechanism 202. In the embodiment of FIG. 5, the retentionmechanism 202 is configured as a clasp. However, it should be understoodthat in some embodiments, the retention mechanism 202 can includealternative, single use or reusable elements. For example, in someembodiments, the retention mechanism can be in the form of a flexiblesheet including adhesive thereon such that the flexible sheet can bepositioned to cover an exposed interior cavity 154 of the housing 156after a sensor assembly 152 has been positioned therein. The retentionmechanism 202 can allow a portion of the bottom layer 162 to be engagedand disengaged from the upper layer 160 to form an opening 204 throughwhich the sensor assembly 152 can be inserted or removed. Thus, thesensor assembly 152 can be interchanged or can be removed for repair. Itshould be understood that in the engaged position, the retentionmechanism 202 can maintain the internal cavity 154 enclosed in awater-resistant manner.

FIGS. 6 and 7 show flow charts of steps executed in two methods ofmanufacturing a sensor apparatus. In particular, FIG. 6 outlines thesteps involved with a method of manufacture which laminates togetherupper and lower layers, e.g., flexible sheet materials, to containcomponents of a sensor assembly. In some embodiments, the upper andlower layers can be bonded together over the majority of theintersecting perimeter while initially leaving a small gap for thesubsequent insertion of sensor elements of the sensor assembly. The gapcan be sealed closed after the insertion of the sensor assemblyelements.

Thus, the components for the sensor assembly can be sourced andfabricated or combined (step 250). The components can be located withinan encapsulation manufacturing system (step 252). A form sensor unitusing one or more steps can provide a sealed envelope (e.g., a housing)or an envelope that can be closed or sealed (step 254). The sensorassembly can be inserted into the fabricated housing and the housing canbe sealed to maintain the sensor assembly in a water-resistantenvironment.

FIG. 7 shows an alternative method where various elements of the sensorassembly are encapsulated during a manufacturing process, therebyforming the entire flexible enclosure for the sensor apparatus. In someembodiments, molding techniques can be used to concurrently form thehousing of the sensor apparatus and assembly the elements of the sensorassembly. For example, elements of the sensor assembly can be formedintegrally inside the housing while the housing is being formed by themolding process. Sensor apparatus components, e.g., source electronics,a battery, sensors, an encapsulant, and the like, can be provided (step260). One or more sensor apparatus components can be encapsulated (step262). A sealed and usable sensor apparatus can thereby be produced (step264).

FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of an alternative sensor apparatus 300.The sensor apparatus 300 can be substantially similar in structure andfunction to the sensor apparatuses described above, except for thedistinctions noted herein. Therefore, like features are shown with likereference numbers. The sensor apparatus 300 can include a sensorassembly 302 including one or more elements 304. The sensor assembly 302can combine one or more sensor elements or units and one or moretransmitter units. In particular, the sensor element and transmitterunit can be contained within an internal cavity 106 of the housing 102.The housing 102 can be attached to an animal, e.g., a cow, to determinea physiological or reproductive state of the animal. The sensor assembly302 can include a force or pressure sensitive sensor as one of theelements 304 for sensing force applied externally to the housing 102and, therefore, the animal. In some embodiments, the sensor assembly 302can include a force or pressure sensitive sensor and an accelerometer asthe elements 304.

FIG. 9 shows a side view of a sensor apparatus 300 including a sensorand transmitter unit mounted to an animal 116. In order to detectmounting activity, force, acceleration, combinations thereof, and thelike, the elements 304 contained within and affixed using the housing102 can be located proximal to the rear tail region of the animal 116.In some embodiments, one or more additional sensor units, transmitterunit 306, or both, can be placed or implanted within the animal 116 togarner further information related to the physiological state of theanimal.

FIG. 10 shows a block diagram of an exemplary communication network 350between sensor units, transmitter units and other elements of thedisclosed sensor system. One or more sensor apparatuses 300, e.g.,sensor and transmitter units, can be located or positioned on one ormore animals 352, 354 (e.g., in a singular manner as with animal 352 ora multiplicative manner as with animal 354). Sensor units 356, 358 canbe located on stationary platforms 360, e.g., posts or buildingstructures in a field, and moving conveyances 358, e.g., vehicles,airplanes, helicopters, and the like, to enable sensor apparatus 300information related to the physiological state of the animals 352, 354,for other farm management reasons, or both, to be gathered andtransmitted. Communication between sensor apparatuses 300, e.g., sensorelements, transmitter units, and the like, can occur through wireless orwired connections. Distributed communication to a central processor 364can be achieved through direct communication paths 366 or indirectcommunication paths 368 via one or more layers of further transmitterunits 370. For example, intermediate transmitter units 370 can bepositioned on animals 352, 354, on stationary platforms 360, on movingconveyances 358, and combinations thereof to transmit data from thesensor apparatuses 300 to the central processor 364.

In some embodiments, an RFID reader (not shown) (e.g., an RFID readerfrom LightningROD™ available from www.id-ology.com) can be used as aform of sensor unit. Communication mechanisms such as terrestrialsatellites 372, communication towers 374, the internet or cloud-basedtools 376, or both, computers 378, mobile devices 380, and combinationsthereof, can be used to interact with or act as a further processor.Through the communication network 350 of sensor units, transmitterunits, and processors, data can be gathered, processed, stored and actedupon for the benefit of farm and animal management decisions.

FIGS. 11-13 show block diagrams of various implementations of a sensorassembly 302 including sensor and transmitter units as used by thesensor apparatus 300. As shown in FIG. 11, in some embodiments, thesensor assembly 302 can include a number of sensors 382 in communicationwith a processor 384 that communicates with a power supply 386 to enableoperation of the processor 384. The sensor assembly 302 can furtherinclude one or more transmitter unit communication mechanisms 388 torelay information to a human, machine, or both. The sensors 382 can be,e.g., one or more force sensors, pressure sensors, proximity sensors,capacitance sensors, acceleration sensors, motion sensors, combinationsthereof, and the like. Communication mechanism(s) 388 can includes alight source, a radio frequency source, or both.

As shown in FIG. 12, in some embodiments, the sensor assembly 302 caninclude a module that includes a battery 390, charge management 392, andpower management 394 circuitry to enable recharging, to extend theoperating lifetime, or both, of the sensor assembly 302, including theassociated transmitter unit for a given battery or charge level. One ormore radio frequency transceivers 396 can be used to enable wirelesscommunication with external devices, such as additional or intermediatetransmitter units, processors, or both. In some embodiments, the sensorassembly 302 can include a suitable signaling or optical communicationmeans 398 which can be used to indicate to observers, transmitters,processors, associated devices, combinations thereof, and the like, thestatus of the sensor assembly 302 and any data associated with thesensor assembly 302. In some embodiments, the sensor assembly 302 caninclude a real time clock 400, sensors that measure motion 402, force404, other parameters, and the like. The sensor assembly 302 can includeone or more processors 406 which can be used to manage communication,data capture, calibration, and overall operation of the sensor assembly302 functions.

As shown in FIG. 13, in some embodiments, the sensor assembly 302 caninclude all or some of the elements shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, and canfurther include one or more actuators 408, sensors 410, or both, toenhance the capability and accuracy of the sensor assembly 302measurements. In some embodiments, the actuators can be, e.g., drugdelivery 412, vibration 414, sound 416, combinations thereof, and thelike. In some embodiments, the sensors 410 can be, e.g., temperature,humidity 418, or both, GPS, local positioning 420, or both, force 422,animal physiology 424, rainfall 426, motion 428, sound 430, presence(e.g., binary) 432, animal identification (ID), RFID 434, or both,combinations thereof, and the like. In some embodiments, the GPS, localpositioning 420, or both, can be used to locate the animal, the sensorapparatus 300, or both. In some embodiments, visual means, audio means,radio transmission means, combinations thereof, and the like, can beused to locate the animal, the sensor apparatus 300, or both.

FIG. 14 shows a diagrammatic view of an exemplary circuit board 500layout of a sensor apparatus, e.g., a sensor and transmitter unit. Thecircuit board 500 can include a printed circuit board (PCB) 502 and oneor more visual indicators 504 mounted and connected to the PCB 502 toprovide status, communication, or both, related to the informationdetected or gathered. In some embodiments, the circuit board 500 caninclude a real time clock 506, a force sensor 508, a battery chargemanagement component 510, a microcontroller 512, an accelerometer 514, aradio frequency transceiver 516, combinations thereof, and the like.

As discussed above, animals, e.g., livestock, can come on heat one timeper month and particular behavioral differences can be detected duringthis time period. For example, when a cow is in heat, other cows can tryto mount the cow in heat during a time period of approximately 24 hoursto approximately 36 hours. It is preferable to inseminate the cow duringthis time period. When a cow is in a caged area, e.g., for milking, thecow can be separated from other cows and therefore cannot be mountedduring the time in heat. However, the cow can indicate certaincharacteristics, such as agitated or increased movement, which show thechange in the physiological state of the cow.

The sensor apparatuses discussed herein can detect the physiologicalstate of the animal through sensors, e.g., a pressure sensor, anaccelerometer, and the like. For example, the pressure sensor canmeasure the force or pressure applied and the duration of application ofthe force or pressure. As a further example, the accelerometer canmeasure the magnitude of the motion and the duration of motion of theanimal. The detected or collected data can be transferred to a user,e.g., a farmer, in a readable format. Collected both force or pressureand accelerometer data, rather than only one, can advantageously providemore accurate data regarding the physiological state of the animal.Thus, force or pressure readings indicating that a cow is in heat can besupported by accelerometer data which shows agitated motion of the cow.Thus, insemination can occur during the appropriate time.

In some embodiments, the detected data can be transferred to a user oran electronic device through transmitters. For example, in a milkingparlor, a sensor can be positioned in one or more locations such that ascows pass one or more points in the milking parlor each day, thedetected data can be transmitted from the sensor apparatus. In someembodiments, visual indicators, audio indicators, or both, e.g., LEDlights, radio communication, and the like, can be used to indicate thatdata has been collected or should be collected from the sensorapparatus. In embodiments where the cow is in a pasture, e.g., longdistances from a structure, the detected data can be transmitted throughintermediate transmitters.

Experimentation was performed starting Jul. 7, 2013 using eleven sensorsapparatuses mounted onto animals which received prostaglandin (PG)treatment the same day. Nine sensor apparatuses configured as disclosedherein included force or pressure contact sensors, while two sensorapparatuses included a capacitance sensor concept. Motion was recordedin ten minute epochs. Data stored on the sensor apparatuses wascollected twice daily using a transmitter at the top of an approximately6 meter tall pole near a milking shed. All sensor apparatuses thatremained on the animals were removed after six days, i.e., on Jul. 12,2013. Normal farm practices were used to select the insemination timesreported and data from the sensor apparatuses was not used to influencethe insemination process.

The sensor disposition and insemination data from the animals in thetrial is summarized in Table 1 below. Of the eleven sensor apparatusesdeployed, five fell off the animal and were not recovered. The leadingcause of sensor apparatuses coming off the animal was a weak area wherea plastic film pulled in around the base of the electronics duringvacuum forming. In each case, the plastic film remained glued to theanimal for the duration of the trial. It should be understood that thisissue can be resolved by, e.g., reducing shape corners in theelectronics housing, using a thicker plastic film, adding fibers to theplastic film to increase strength, modifying the shape of the mold,electronics housing, or both, to prevent the plastic film from pullingin around the base of the housing, increasing the amount of adhesive,combinations thereof, and the like.

TABLE 1 Sensor Disposition and Insemination Timing Data Sensor Animal IDID Type Insemination Disposition Notes 3 478 FSR July 12, AM RecoveredCracked housing 4 328 Cap July 9, PM Recovered 6 636 FSR July 9, PM Lost17 214 FSR July 10, PM Recovered 27 520 FSR July 10, PM Lost 19 369 FSRNo Recovered 21 111 FSR July 10, AM Lost 22 579 FSR No Recovered 24 26FSR July 12, AM Lost 26 418 FSR No Recovered 23 299 Cap July 9, AM LostFell apart

With respect to Table 1, Sensor ID represents a unique identificationnumber for each sensor apparatus, Animal ID represents a uniqueidentification number for each animal, Type represents the type ofsensor apparatus (e.g., FSR is a force or pressure contact sensor andCap is a capacitance sensor) a sensor ID, Insemination represents thedate and time period of insemination if the animal was inseminated,Disposition represents whether the sensor apparatus was recovered, andNotes represents additional notes with respect to specific sensorapparatuses. During experimentation, the film around sensor 3 tore awayfrom the housing. However, it was not clear whether the tear beganaround the base of the electronics housing (e.g., suggesting a weakpoint in the vacuum forming was the cause) or whether the film failed ina different way. Based on prior experience, it is believed that the tearbegan around the base of the electronics housing.

The motion and contact sensor data collected from the eleven animalsover the first two days is plotted in FIG. 15. In particular, FIG. 15 isa graph of motion data (top) and contact sensor data (bottom) recordedfor all sensor apparatuses. A 300 minute wide median filter was appliedto smooth the motion data. As was expected, both motion and contactsensor activity is greater during the day, while the animals remainlargely inactive between midnight and 3:00 AM.

FIG. 16 is a graph of the motion and contact measurements combined. Inparticular, the motion data is shown in bands of gray, the contactsensor data or contact events is shown as dots, and the diamondsindicate approximate timing of artificial insemination. The y-axisrepresents the Animal ID, the x-axis represents the day, and the scaleon the right represents motion data with greater activity indicated by adarker shade. The approximate timing of insemination is indicated at10:00 AM for morning treatment or 3:00 PM for afternoon treatment.Motion data from each 10 minute epoch is indicated by a shaded verticalline with greater activity indicated by a darker shade. However, theshading is based on absolute motion across all animals, not relative toeach animal's individual motion. Time is measured relative to midnighton July 7^(th), the day the sensor apparatuses were attached to theanimals.

The short burst of activity at the start of measurements is likelyassociated with attachment of the sensor apparatuses to the animals. Theshort bursts of activity at 4:00 AM, most clear on day 1 may indicatethe animals arriving for milking, while the activity at 8:00 AM and 3:00PM, again clearest on day 1, may be morning and afternoon milking,respectively. Although there is no band around 1:00 PM when animals wereexpected to be arriving for afternoon milking, this may be due to ashorter walking distance.

In FIG. 17, a median filter (21 epochs, approximately 3.5 hours) wasapplied to the motion data to emphasize more sustained activity. In FIG.17, contact measurements are marked with rings and solid dots, motiondata is indicated by bands of gray, and approximate timing ofinsemination is indicated by diamonds. The height of each ring isproportional to the contact duration (up to 10 seconds) while the widthof each ring is proportional to the contact force. A solid dot is onlyshown for contacts less than 8 seconds. The y-axis represents the AnimalID, the x-axis represents the day, and the scale on the right representsmotion data with greater activity indicated by a darker shade.

When an animal comes on heat, it is expected to see both increasedmotion activity and activation of the contact sensor from mounting. Forexample, studies have reported an increase in pedometry of more than200% for cows on pasture. (See, e.g., Nebel, R. L. et al., Automatedelectronic systems for the detection of oestrus and timing of AI incattle, Animal Reproduction Science, 60-61, pp. 713-723 (2000)). In astudy using the HeatWatch® system, an average of 13.6 mounts (standarderror 1.52) on one herd of 48 animals and 8.5 mounts (standard error0.81) on a second herd of 41 animals was reported. (See, e.g., Xu, Z. Z.et al., Estrus detection using radiotelemetry of visual observation andtail painting for dairy cows on pasture, Journal of Dairy Science, 81,pp. 2890-2896 (1998)). However, in both cases, only two mounting eventswere recorded for at least one animal.

Animal ID 214 shows the most significant increase in motion activityimmediately preceding insemination, reaching more than three times thehighest activity in the monitored period. However, only two contactevents were recorded in the day preceding insemination. This is at thelowest end of the range the study by Xu. (See, e.g., Xu, Z. Z. et al.,Estrus detection using radiotelemetry of visual observation and tailpainting for dairy cows on pasture, Journal of Dairy Science, 81, pp.2890-2896 (1998)).

Animal ID 111 also shows a more than three-fold increase in motion andthree contact events in the afternoon preceding insemination. Althoughthe sensor apparatus stopped transmitting data shortly after 11:00 PMand was lost, the motion data immediately following the last contactmeasurement at 9:40 PM was zero. This may suggest the sensor apparatuswas dislodged by genuine mounting behavior rather than tail flicks orhead rubbing.

The sensor apparatus on Animal ID 478 was lost just under a day beforeinsemination. However, the sensor apparatus showed an approximately 2.7fold increase in motion activity just before it was dislodged. However,the bulk of contact activity was about 3 days before insemination and 2days before motion activity began to increase. At that point, between11:00 AM and 12:00 PM on July 9^(th), 33 contact events were recorded,two-thirds of them between 0 and 8 seconds (e.g., an average of 3.3seconds). Thus, although Animal ID 478 showed a large amount of activitywhich indicates that the animal was in heat, the animal was notinseminated until approximately day 5.5. By utilizing the data from thesensor apparatus, a user could have determined that the animal was inheat much earlier, e.g., by day 1.5 or 2.5, and could have inseminatedthe animal at a more appropriate time.

Animal ID 328 showed the greatest level of motion activity around thetime of insemination. However, the motion activity was only 30% higher(e.g., median 1300 motion events/epoch) than motion activity seen a fewhours earlier and in the afternoon of the preceding day. Thus, althoughAnimal ID 328 showed a large amount of activity which indicates that theanimal was in heat, the animal was not inseminated until approximatelyday 2.5. By utilizing the data from the sensor apparatus, a user couldhave determined that the animal was in heat much earlier, e.g., by day1.5, and could have inseminated the animal at a more appropriate time.

The baseline motion activity for the other animals was approximately 500motion events/epoch. Therefore, it is possible that an appropriatebaseline was not defined. Three contact events between 0 and 8 secondslong were seen in the morning preceding insemination while a total of 7contact events were seen in the preceding 24 hour period. A prototypecapacitance sensor was used for detecting contact events on Animal ID328 and, therefore, the results of Animal ID 328 may differ from thedata collected by the force or pressure contact sensors.

No clear increase in activity was seen for Animal ID 520. In addition,no contact events were recorded for this animal. However, this animalwas inseminated approximately 18 hours after the last data was received.

Animal IDs 579, 369 and 418 were not inseminated. However, duringexperimentation, a farm manager suggested that Animal ID 369 wouldnormally be inseminated in other circumstances. Sensor apparatuses onAnimal IDs 369 and 418 showed one contact event each before beingremoved and some variation in motion. However, the three animals did notshow large motion changes observed by the sensor apparatuses.

Animal ID 636 was inseminated and showed a single contact event in themorning before an afternoon insemination. However, there was not a clearincrease in motion activity from this animal either. A similar situationoccurred for Animal ID 26, although the last motion data was receivednearly a day before insemination. Although Animal ID 299 was inseminatedapproximately 12 hours after the last motion data was received, the datashowed no sign of increased activity. However, it should be noted thatthis sensor apparatus came apart during experimentation and it isunclear which data is valid.

The duration and force from all the contact sensor measurements isplotted in FIG. 18. Although some of the data may be from peoplepressing the sensor apparatus before or after it was attached to theanimal, a large portion of the data is from animal interaction. Induration, the data exhibits two distinct groups: a bulk of measurementsbelow 8 seconds and a significant cluster at 20 seconds or more. FIG. 19shows a histogram of all durations and suggests an average duration inthe first group at approximately 3 seconds, which is consistent withobservations in previous literature (2.6 seconds, 2.3 seconds; standarderror around 0.05 seconds). (See, e.g., Xu, Z. Z. et al., Estrusdetection using radiotelemetry of visual observation and tail paintingfor dairy cows on pasture, Journal of Dairy Science, 81, pp. 2890-2896(1998)).

Of the 11 sensor apparatuses placed on animals, motion and contactsensor data from 3-4 provided data consistent with an expected increasein activity, mounting behavior and the timing of insemination. A furtherthree animals, which were not inseminated, did not show clear signs ofoestrus in the sensor data. The remaining animals were inseminated.However, the data either did not show the expected behavior fromoestrus, the sensor malfunctioned and may not have been operating todetect the expected indicators from the animal, or both. The increase inmotion, where it increased significantly, appears consistent with thatexpected from previous literature. However, fewer contact events weredetected than have been reported for the HeatWatch® system. (See, e.g.,Xu, Z. Z. et al., Estrus detection using radiotelemetry of visualobservation and tail painting for dairy cows on pasture, Journal ofDairy Science, 81, pp. 2890-2896 (1998)).

Thus, the exemplary sensor apparatuses discussed herein allow foraccurate and secure placement of the sensor assembly on an animal. Thesensor apparatuses further includes a combination of a force sensor andan accelerometer to provide a more accurate detection of a physiologicalstate of the animal. The sensor apparatuses therefore improve animalhusbandry practices to provide more accurate monitoring of an animalstate, the reproductive state, or both, tiling and to enable betterinformed, managed and timed actions related to reproductive and otherherd management decisions.

While exemplary embodiments have been described herein, it is expresslynoted that these embodiments should not be construed as limiting, butrather that additions and modifications to what is expressly describedherein also are included within the scope of the invention. Moreover, itis to be understood that the features of the various embodimentsdescribed herein are not mutually exclusive and can exist in variouscombinations and permutations, even if such combinations or permutationsare not made express herein, without departing from the spirit and scopeof the invention.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A sensor apparatus for attachment to ananimal, comprising: a housing attachable to the animal having aninternal cavity formed therein; and a sensor assembly disposed withinthe internal cavity, the sensor assembly including a force sensor and amotion sensor arranged to detect force data and motion datarepresentative of a physiological state of the animal, wherein the forceincludes a magnitude of a force applied to the animal and a length oftime the force is applied to the animal.
 2. The sensor apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein the sensor assembly comprises arechargeable power source, the rechargeable power source including atleast one of a photovoltaic element, a chemical battery, a supercapacitor, a fuel cell, and a mechanical energy harvest system.
 3. Thesensor apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a processor.4. The sensor apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the sensorassembly comprises at least one of a visual indicator, an audioindicator, or a radio indicator operatively connected to the processorfor generating a signal representative of the physiological state of theanimal.
 5. The sensor apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sensorassembly comprises a visual indicator, and wherein the visual indicatorcomprises an LED.
 6. The sensor apparatus according to claim 1, whereinthe sensor assembly comprises a transmitter for transmitting sensor datato an electronic device configured to store the sensor data.
 7. Thesensor apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the physiological stateof the animal comprises estrus or standing heat.
 8. The sensor apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein the motion sensor detects a magnitude ofmotion of the animal and a length of time of the motion.
 9. The sensorapparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a processing deviceprogrammable to analyze the force data from the force sensor and themotion data from the motion sensor to determine the physiological stateof the animal.
 10. The sensor apparatus according to claim 1, whereinthe sensor assembly comprises a transmitter for transmitting the forcedata and the motion data to an electronic device configured to store theforce and motion data.
 11. The sensor apparatus according to claim 1,wherein the force sensor comprises a pressure sensor, a pressure switch,or a strain gauge.
 12. The sensor apparatus according to claim 1,wherein the motion sensor comprises an accelerometer.
 13. A method fordetecting a physiological state of an animal, comprising: providing asensor apparatus mountable to the animal, the sensor apparatus including(i) a housing attachable to the animal and having an internal cavityformed therein, and (ii) a sensor assembly disposed within the internalcavity, the sensor assembly including a force sensor and an motionsensor arranged to detect force data and motion data representative ofthe physiological state of the animal, wherein the force includes amagnitude of a force applied to the animal and a length of time theforce is applied to the animal; and analyzing the received force dataand motion data to determine the physiological state of the animal. 14.The method according to claim 13, further comprising: generating aperceptible signal with at least one of a visual indicator, an audioindicator and a radio indicator regarding the detected force data andmotion data representative of the physiological state of the animal. 15.The method according to claim 13, wherein the motion sensor detects amagnitude of motion of the animal and a length of time of the motion.16. The method according to claim 13, further comprising: transmittingsensor data; receiving the force data; and storing the sensor dataelectronic device.
 17. The method according to claim 13, wherein theforce sensor comprises a pressure sensor, a pressure switch, or a straingauge.
 18. The method according to claim 13, wherein the motion sensorcomprises an accelerometer.